Scientology operates like a gang of crooks, declares French court...

A court in Paris heard the church used crooked methods after two members claimed they were cajoled into spending 21,000 euros (£19,000) and 49,500 euros (£45,000) on personality tests, vitamin cures, sauna sessions and 'purification packs'.

There were suggestions the court could ban the group from France but due to a mixup over a law passed in parliament just before the start of the trial in May, that was ruled out. 

Instead, the court handed down suspended prison sentences ranging from 18 months to two years and fines of 5,000 euros (£4,500) to 30,000 euros (£27,000) to four leaders. More...

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